Xexyz

Released for the NES in 1990, Xexyz is an unusual action game that blends side-scrolling platforming with horizontal shoot-’em-up stages. Published by Hudson Soft and developed by Atlus, it places you in a science-fiction fantasy world under attack by hostile forces. The setting mixes ancient-looking ruins, strange machinery, and open space, giving the game a distinctive atmosphere even within the technical limits of the NES.

On foot, the hero runs, jumps, and fires his weapon through scrolling stages filled with enemies, platforms, hazards, and larger guardian encounters. At other points, the game shifts into a flying section, turning the adventure into a more traditional space shooter. The change between these two styles is central to Xexyz’s identity: it is not simply a platformer with a few vehicle segments, but a game that expects you to handle both forms of play throughout the journey.

Power-ups and weapon improvements help make later areas manageable, while careful movement is often just as important as fast shooting. Enemy patterns can be demanding, and the game has the kind of unforgiving rhythm associated with many late-1980s and early-1990s NES action titles. Learning when to attack, when to avoid danger, and how to approach each section is part of its appeal.

Xexyz is a good choice for players who enjoy obscure NES releases, hybrid gameplay, and games that take a slightly unconventional approach to familiar genres. Its mixture of platform action and aerial combat gives each stage a different feel, even if the difficulty can be rough around the edges. RetroCloud lets you play online on your browser and revisit this curious Atlus release without needing original NES hardware.